Coping with the death of a pet may be as profound as grieving a loved one for some people, study says

Pet loss grief is a real and powerful type of sadness that many people experience, yet it often goes unrecognized.

In psychology, this grief is known as “disenfranchised grief” because society does not always treat the death of an animal as seriously as the death of a human, according to Loyal Blue Counseling.

Still, for those who spend their lives with animals, the bond is deep, meaningful, and hard to replace.

Experts say this type of grief deserves understanding, compassion, and recognition.

Pet loss grief: A constant companion in daily life

For many, pets are more than companions—they are constant presences in the home.

Even when pets are in another room, owners know where their furry friends are resting, playing, or eating.

Animals become part of daily routines and home life. When a pet dies, that absence can leave a profound emptiness.

Many pet owners feel ashamed or embarrassed by how deeply they grieve. Unlike human loss, most workplaces do not offer time off for the death of a pet.

Employees often try to keep working, which can worsen stress and prolong sadness.

Although some people think saying goodbye to a pet should be easier because animals live shorter lives, research shows the grief can be just as intense as human loss.

Science shows pet loss grief is real

A study published in PLOS One confirmed what many pet owners already feel: losing an animal can trigger prolonged grief disorder, or PGD.

PGD is a mental health condition in which deep sadness and longing persist for months or even years. People with PGD may struggle to complete daily tasks or connect with friends.

Currently, doctors only diagnose PGD for the loss of a human. However, Professor Philip Hyland, a psychologist at Maynooth University in Ireland, argues that these rules should change to include pets.

Hyland’s research surveyed 975 adults in the United Kingdom and found that 7.5% of those who lost a pet met the criteria for PGD.

How pet loss grief compares to human loss

Hyland’s study found that the rate of PGD from losing a pet was similar to losing a close friend and close to losing a grandparent (8.3%), sibling (8.9%), or partner (9.1%). Only the loss of a parent (11.2%) or child (21.3%) had higher rates.

About one in five people who lost both a human and a pet reported that the pet’s death felt worse. These individuals often reported feeling shy or lonely when trying to express their grief.

The study also estimated that in the United Kingdom, one out of every twelve PGD cases is caused by the death of a pet.

This reflects the large number of adults with pets and the shorter lifespan of animals compared to humans.

According to Hyland, the symptoms of pet loss grief are the same as those experienced after a human death, showing that the emotional impact is just as serious.

Experts call for recognition and support

“From both psychological and evolutionary standpoints, this would be an extraordinarily difficult position to defend,” Hyland said. “The decision to exclude pet loss from the bereavement criterion for PGD can be viewed as not only scientifically misguided but also as callous.”

Hyland emphasizes that current rules prevent doctors from formally diagnosing PGD for pet loss, even when a person shows all symptoms.

The expert argues that if additional studies confirm these findings, medical guidelines should change.

Doing so would allow those suffering from pet loss grief to access the support and care they need.

Understanding and compassion are key

Experts stress that pet loss grief deserves recognition, empathy, and validation. Support can come in many forms: counseling, support groups, or understanding workplaces.

While pets may live shorter lives than humans, the love and companionship they provide are profound, and losing them can leave lasting pain.

Awareness of pet loss grief is not just about fairness—it is about responding to a deeply human experience.

Recognizing the intensity of this grief allows those mourning their animals to heal without shame or judgment.

Hyland hopes that increased attention to this issue will encourage the medical and public communities to treat pet loss grief with the seriousness it deserves.

Watch Dr. Sarah Hoggan share insights on pet loss, grief, and the deep emotional pain it brings in her TEDx Talk.